Sephora, Ulta Beauty go dark amid COVID-19 outbreak

Both Ulta Beauty and Sephora are putting the health of their employees and consumers first.

The beauty retailers announced new measures, including temporary store closures amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in the United States.

Via an email sent to its Beauty Insider community, Sephora informed consumers that as of 5 p.m. local time on March 17, all of the retailer’s stores in the United States and Canada will be closed until April 3.

Employees in the corporate offices will be sent to work from home, both the American and Canadian mobile apps will remain operational, and standard shipping fees will be waived on orders through April 3.

In addition, product purchases made in the last 30 days as of March 16 can be returned with receipt within 30 days of the store reopening its doors. For online orders, the policy will increase to 60 days.

Ulta Beauty also will close the doors of its retail stores beginning at 6 p.m. on March 19 till at least March 31. 

Shopping via the retailer's mobile app is still available, where free shipping is being offered on orders of $15 or more and the 60-day return policy is being honored. 

“We understand the direct impact this will have on our associates and guests,” Mary Dillon, CEO of Ulta Beauty, said. “But during these critical times, we believe it is absolutely necessary to prioritize their safety and that of the broader communities we serve. At Ulta Beauty, our associates are at the heart of our company. As such, we will continue to pay our store and salon associates and provide benefits for those who are currently enrolled during this period. As we track this situation closely, I want to make sure that our guests and associates know there is nothing more important than our collective health and safety. We look forward to the time when we can re-open our stores, bring our associates back together, and invite guests back into Ulta Beauty.